Thousands of residents from southern Lebanon have fled their homes following intensified Israeli shelling along the border, leaving many displaced families struggling to find shelter as the humanitarian situation worsens.
Among those affected is Hussein al-Shuk, who described the circumstances that forced his family to escape their village amid falling shrapnel and repeated air strikes. Speaking about the damage to his vehicle during the escape, he explained how the family narrowly avoided being caught in the bombardment.
According to Al Jazeera, al-Shuk fled with his wife, Hoda, his son Ali, and his aunt Amina as the attacks intensified near their community in southern Lebanon. The family packed what they could into two cars before travelling north in search of safety.
Recounting the chaotic escape, he said:
"I went to get my car and there was an air strike. We barely made it out. We stayed on the road for more than 4 hours, moving a little at a time. In the end, we slowly kept going and then an air strike happened right in front of us. Thank God it didn't hit us. I had just recovered from the shock when another strike happened behind us."
For the past several days, the family has been sleeping inside their vehicles, which contain most of the belongings they managed to salvage. Like many others fleeing the south, they lack the financial means to secure temporary accommodation in hotels or rented apartments.
Local authorities estimate that tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the hostilities. Many families arriving in Beirut and other urban centres are seeking emergency shelter while humanitarian organisations attempt to expand support facilities.
In response to the growing displacement, the Lebanese government has granted the use of a stadium in the capital to a humanitarian organisation tasked with setting up a temporary camp capable of accommodating thousands of people. Volunteers have begun assembling tents and preparing the site, although significant logistical challenges remain.
One relief worker involved in the effort outlined the urgency of the situation and the difficulties currently facing the response teams.
"The main challenge now is preparing this area quickly so people can come in. It is not acceptable for people to remain on the streets for 4 days. Right now, the site isn't ready. The toilets aren't working. There is no water supply, no electricity, no tents, and nothing on the ground to protect people from the cold and rain. It's going to be another 48 hours before this place is in an adequate condition to accept anyone."
Until the site becomes operational, displaced residents continue to improvise temporary arrangements wherever possible. Along Beirut’s seaside Corniche, large numbers of families have set up makeshift sleeping areas, while several public schools across the city have been converted into emergency shelters.
For those displaced, uncertainty remains the dominant concern. Many families hope the fighting will subside soon enough to allow them to return to their homes, though officials have offered no clear timeline for when conditions might stabilise.
Military developments suggest that the conflict could persist for an extended period. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, there are indications that Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon may continue for weeks or even months, raising fears that the displacement crisis could worsen.
Meanwhile, the number of people fleeing the south continues to grow, placing additional pressure on already limited humanitarian resources.
For Hussein al-Shuk, the destruction of his home has compounded the hardship. His house was recently flattened by Israeli shelling for the second time, after he had only partially rebuilt it following the previous conflict in November 2024.
Reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding the situation, he said returning home now depends entirely on developments beyond his control.
"Only Israel will decide when we go home."